Area Purple Heart Medal recipients and military veterans and their families are invited to the seventh annual Purple Heart Dinner to be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.
Hosted by the Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, the dinner invites the public to help honor those wounded in battle. In addition to Purple Heart Medal recipients and their families, the dinner is open to all veterans, military families and the public.
The Purple Heart dinner also includes the Walk of Honor, entertainment by the 440th Army Band, patriotic tributes and a catered meal. Last year’s celebration saluted more than 40 Purple Heart recipients.
Sgt. Kyle Snyder, who served in Afghanistan with the 514th Military Police Company, will be the keynote speaker. On Oct. 1, 2012, Snyder’s squad was approached by a suicide bomber who detonated his vest, killing three U.S. soldiers and 16 Afghans and injuring many more, including Snyder. He spent 13 months in rehabilitation. Snyder now works to help other wounded soldiers and their families get the help they need. Snyder received numerous decorations during his military career, including the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
To reserve tickets ($15 each), contact Greg Harrington at mgregh@nc.rr.com or email info@WakeForestPurpleHeartFoundation.org.
Sponsors are also needed to make this tribute possible. Sponsorship levels are Premier ($1,000), Blue ($500), White ($250) and Red ($100). For sponsor details, call Marty Coward at 919-792-0316 or go online to www.WakeForestPurpleHeartFoundation.org.
Contributions may be made payable to Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 168, Wake Forest, NC, 27588.